IFE: Statement On Recent Media Slurs

The recent media coverage concerning the Islamic Forum of Europe is grossly inaccurate and, in a number of respects, libellous. Needless to say we are considering our position (including with our lawyers). In the meantime, we cannot allow these false slurs to go unchallenged.

The IFE is not a "radical" organisation and has never advocated the implementation of Shariah law or an Islamic State in the UK.

Further, the IFE categorically condemns violent extremism.

The IFE encourages its members and the wider Muslim community to engage in the democratic process and to participate fully in society, as it is their right to do.

The suggestion that there is anything sinister about this engagement with normal democratic processes, or that the IFE is bent on political 'infiltration' is untrue, inflammatory and socially divisive.

Channel 4’s Dispatches ‘Britain’s Islamic Republic’ launched a virulent attack against Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE). For nearly a year, undercover reporters passing themselves off as Muslims attended meetings and events organised by IFE, to solicit replies to use against the organisation.

The documentary alleged that not only is IFE a sinister and secretive organisation but that it is anti-democratic and condones violent extremism. It has further alleged that the IFE is attempting to improperly infiltrate mainstream British politics. Not only are these allegations defamatory but wholly untrue.

The attack on mainstream Islamic organisations such as IFE is however not a new phenomenon. Attacks on organisations such the Muslim Council of Britain, Muslim Association of Britain, Interpal and individual personalities like Azad Ai,  Dr Muhammad Abdul-Bari, Dr Daud Abdullah, Dr Kamal el-Helbawy and Anas Altikriti in the recent past is an unfortunate reality for Muslims in Britain.

We must not let these unfair and unfounded attacks which are divisive and contribute to the rise of Islamophobia go unchallenged. This is politically-driven, with irresponsible politicians pandering to the Far Right.

We urge you all to extend your support to IFE and other Muslims and Islamic organisations by:

1. Registering your complaint against the Dispatches programme:

Call 0845 076 0191 and make a verbal complaint.

Send your written complaint to:

Channel 4 Enquiries
PO Box 1058
Belfast
BT 1 9DU

Go online to register your complaint:

http://help.channel4.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE?New,Kb=C4_Author,Company={2EA1BB9C-510E-44A5-A481-01EB1DDA1669},T=CONTACT_VE,VARSET_TITLE=TV

Log on to the Dispatches web link and comment on the programme directly: www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches.

2. Call OFCOM (the radio and television regulator).

0300 123 3333 or 020 7981 3040. They are open Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 5.00pm.

3. Send letters, emails and also phone Jim Fitzpatrick MP to complain.

His inaccurate and unfounded comments form the basis of many of the allegations forwarded by Dispatches.

• Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Address: Jim Fitzpatrick MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
• Parliamentary Office: Tel: 020 7219 5085/6215 / Fax: 020 7219 2776
• Constituency Office:  Tel: 020 7536 0562 / Fax: 020 7536 0572

4. Write letters of complaint to newspapers which carry this story and attempt to perpetuate the lies and incorrect allegations

5. Watch and invite others to watch the Islam Channel on Wed 3rd March at 7pm when members of IFE will refute these baseless allegations. [Sky 813]

See below points you can raise to formulate your written and verbal complaints:

POINTS TO MAKE WHEN COMPLAINING:

1. Coming so close to a general election, the documentary is politically motivated.
2. The programme will undoubtedly increase community tension and harm genuine attempts at community cohesion.
3. The documentary is a dishonest attempt at scaremongering and vilifying Muslim communities and religious institutions.
4. The documentary panders to the BNP and the Far Right
5. It begs the question; what is wrong with Muslims being politically engaged and active in civic society and the politics of the common good?
6. This dishonest portrayal of a mainstream Muslim organisation like the IFE will only contribute to further alienating young Muslims and draw them towards extremism.
7. Similar claims were made in the not so distant past against the Irish and Jewish communities.
8. This is part of a series of organised, vindictive and orchestrated witch hunts against Muslim personalities, institutions and organisations which aims at undoing the excellent work done by these.
9. This is irresponsible and reprehensible journalism by Channel 4, which makes a mockery of its stated aim of representing and celebrating Britain’s diversity and multi-culturalism.
10. The picture painted of IFE is contrary to our knowledge and experience of the organisation and indeed its track record.